England analysis: Despite a draw against the USA in their opening match, England fans must not lose faith in
Fabio Capello’s men just yet.

More to come: Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Wayne Rooney

Drawing their opening game of the World Cup, that’s par for the course for England isn’t it?

It sure is. It happened both in 1966 and 1990, when Bobby Robson’s side reached the semi-finals, so there’s no need for alarm just yet.

But what about Robert Green ? How can Fabio Capello trust his goalkeeper after that howler?

Well, Capello thought long and hard before deciding on Green for that first game. The West Ham keeper has been his main man between the posts for most of the past year so can he afford to drop him now? Green, for his part, came out after the game and held his hands up to his error and if he is mentally strong enough to get over it he should probably retain his place. Fitness concerns surround David James and Joe Hart is inexperienced at international level, can he really be pitched in to a World Cup finals? I’d say no.

And Ledley King will miss Friday’s game against Algeria. Will Capello stick with Jamie Carragher alongside John Terry in central defence?

I think he will. The Liverpool defender is vastly experienced and, although he does lack pace, he should be able to do a job against a limited Algeria team. Like Hart, Michael Dawson lacks international experience and now does not seem the best time for him to make his first international start.

At least Gareth Barry is fit.

Yes, the Manchester City midfielder should return alongside Lampard in the middle this Friday. That would free up Steven Gerrard to play on the left or just behind Wayne Rooney.

Rooney was playing far too deep against the USA, wasn’t he?

Yep. While Emile Heskey played well alongside him, Rooney, pictured, dropped into midfield too often. The reason he scored so many for Manchester United this season is because Sir Alex Ferguson ordered him to stay in and around the box, which the striker admits he didn’t like to do at first. He seems to have slipped back into old habits and playing Gerrard just off him will stop him drifting deep.

So who’s on the left of midfield if Gerrard plays in a free role?

Joe Cole is surely the man. He was superb in the last World Cup, impressive in the recent friendly games and with James Milner and Shaun Wright-Phillips far from convincing against the USA, you would hope Cole would be given his chance against Algeria.

But those Germans looked good on Sunday night. We haven’t got a hope of winning the competition, have we?

As I said, in 1966 and 1990 England started with disappointing draws. Provided England win their next two games – thus avoiding Germany in the second round – they can be confident in the knockout stages.